TheJoint Sword-2024 (Chinese:联合利剑2024) was a military exercise organized by theEastern Theater Command of thePeople's Liberation Army (PLA) to organize the land, sea, air, and rocket forces of the theatre of operations in the vicinity ofKinmen,Matsu Islands, and theIsland of Taiwan.[1][2][3]
The Eastern Theater Command of Operations conducted the initial round of military drills from May 23 to May 24, 2024, Beijing time.[4] The second round was conducted from October 14 to 15, 2024, Beijing time.[5]
The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command initiated joint exercises and training in the Taiwan Strait, the northern, southern, and eastern regions of the island of Taiwan, as well as the areas surroundingKinmen,Matsu Islands,Wuqiu Island, andDongyin Island, at 0745 hours on May 23, 2024.[6] After the Joint Operations Command Center of the Eastern Theatre issued operational instructions, theEast Sea Fleet's numerous frigate formations maneuvered at high velocities in multiple directions to the waters surrounding the island of Taiwan.[6] The ships initiated combat deployment upon their scheduled arrival at the designated sea area. TheEastern Theater Command Air Force conducted systematic war patrols around Taiwan and the outer islands by deploying dozens of fighter aircraft.[7] ThePeople's Liberation Army Rocket Force provided support and cover for multi-model formations, which were fully loaded with live ammunition, as they flew to predetermined airspace to establish a number of strike positions.[8][9]
On May 23, Li Xi, the spokesman for the Eastern Theater Command, stated that the separatist forces seeking "uniqueness" are "Taiwan independence" and are demonstrating strong discipline. He also issued a serious warning to external forces that are interfering with provocations. Li Xi then disclosed the use of weapons and equipment, includingChengdu J-20,Shenyang J-16,Type 052C destroyer,Type 071 amphibious transport dock,Dongfeng series missiles, and box-type long-range rockets.[10][11]
On October 14, the Eastern Theater Command of thePeople's Liberation Army (PLA) coordinated with thePeople's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN),People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF),People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) andChinese Coast Guard to conduct "Joint Sword-2024B" maneuvers in theTaiwan Strait, as well six marked areas in the waters north, south, and east of the island of Taiwan, effectively surrounding Taiwan during the drills. According to Li Xi, a spokesman for the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command, the different branches of the Chinese military focused the exercises on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, blockades on key ports and areas, assaults on maritime and ground targets and joint seizure of comprehensive superiority. During the operation, the Chinese Coast Guard sent four fleets of ships to conduct "law enforcement inspections" around Taiwan, and carried out "comprehensive law enforcement patrols" in waters surrounding theDongyin andMatsu Islands. The Chinese military described the exercises as a “stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan Independence forces.”[12][13]
Republic of China (Taiwan): The Defense Ministry strongly condemned the Chinese exercises, stating that they were “irrational and provocative” and vowing to deploy “appropriate forces” to respond in order to defend its sovereignty.[13]
People's Republic of China: China's military called the exercises a “stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan Independence forces.”[13]
United States: The United States expressed that it was "seriously concerned" by the exercises, with the State Department stating that "The PRC response with military provocations to a routine annual speech is unwarranted and risks escalation," additionally urging China to "act with restraint" and avoid any further actions which may "undermine peace and stability" in the region.[13]